Wednesday, January 26, 2011

I can't remember where I heard it recently, but someone said that in America we're fascinated by things that are tiny and things that are really big. Totally true! Think about it. Take anything you think of as so-so and then shrink it a little. Suddenly it's cute. Blow it up big and suddenly it's amazing.

I've been experimenting with bookbinding lately. Once I had mastered the basics of a very-very simple version of binding, I decided to make them smaller. Instant cuteness :)

These are very easy to make and much more fun to use than a regular notepad. The tutorial I used can be found right here. I changed the size of my cover to be 3.75 " by 5" and the pages are 3.5" by 4.75."

Shortly after the New Year I sent these out as special gifts to anyone who commented here that week. Thanks again for being so great!

Monday, January 24, 2011

The party has been had! There is still bunting hanging from the ceiling and the living room is all messed up, but I'm sitting here, uploading pictures of course. I went a little overboard with the pictures this time so if you're over the whole indoor picnic theme, just look away. I promise we're moving on after today :).

A wagon full of gifts hung with paper bunting. Special messages from family and friends are written on the back side.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

While this little space is mostly about inspiration and design, I can't help sneaking in these personal posts from time to time.

We did it! We made it through one whole year with two kids. A year ago today, Adele Ryan joined our little family just after 6 pm.

What lies ahead this year is no secret-more talking, more walking, and more independence. But, for now, she still has those chubby baby hands and feet followed by funny cankles and rubber band wrists. I still have to put a bow on her head when she wears blue so the elderly people don't think she's a boy. She still sometimes cries in the night and wants to be held for a couple of minutes. She still fits into all the ridiculous crib shoes I bought when I was pregnant. Sigh.

This one is as sweet as they come. I'm a little bias, but most people that have met her agree. Quick to smile, gentle, and full of pure physical comedy. Happy Birthday Addie :)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Recently I had an epiphany. Well, actually I had a re-epiphany (yes, I did just make up a word) as I was trying to make sense of my closet.

When you see an outfit that goes together so well, there's an almost undefinable quality to it that makes you look again. You know it when you see it. Come to find out, it's actually very simple. It's all about opposites. If you're wearing something flirty and romantic, layer it with something structured and more masculine. It's the reason high heels can look great with jeans and a t-shirt.

I was reading the latest issue of Instyle and Michael Kors himself was talking about this (and says it much better than I can!):

"When women look at other women who are stylish, what they always notice is the play of opposites; it's the trenchcoat over the sequined shift. What's so appealing is dressing like you didn't stress over it." (pg. 98)

Please tell me I'm not the only one having a duh! moment here. Once you learn this rule, it's so obvious.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

We've got another birthday coming up in our family, this time for my daughter Addie. I can't wait to share all the things I've been making over here with you next week.

Since I'm pretty much pretending it's already Spring (I blame the retailers) the theme is an indoor picnic. Maybe someday I can get one of my girls to celebrate their half-birthday and actually have a party outside. Or just have a summer baby. Hmm....

Anyway. I thought I would share some of the pictures I've been compiling on this theme.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Friday, January 14, 2011

Doesn't that look like fun? I guess the picture was part of a Christmas card :).

Well, my lovelies, I plan on taking it easy this weekend. How about you? We have something planned almost every night next week, not to mention little Addie is turning one on Thursday (I might have to stop calling her "little" soon)! A sweatshirt, good book and homemade breakfast sound pretty good to me.

Here are some interesting things for your weekend:

The Crew Cuts sale is still going on until Sunday! Those little outfits kill me everytime.